Life cycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis of internal-stack trickling bio-electrochemical reactor: an evaluation for commercial viability

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present study reports a detailed life cycle assessment and cost–benefit analysis of a commercially viable Internal-Stack-Trickling Bio-Electrochemical Reactor (IS-TrickBER). IS-TrickBER used wastewater as a feedstock and converted that wastewater through electrochemical methods into low-grade fertilizer and produced electricity. IS-TrickBER was observed for its performance in terms of power output and wastewater treatment. IS-TrickBER exhibited up to 4.2 Wh net energy yield while treating 84.84L wastewater per day along with 92.17% COD removal and 38.23% Columbic efficiency during the operational run with real municipal wastewater. Based on daily net energy yield, up to 1457.6Wh yearly net energy yield can be expected. A comprehensive start-to-end life cycle assessment study associated with the manufacturing, and operational phases of IS-TrickBER was also conducted to ascertain its impact on the environment. The environmental impact through air emissions during the manufacturing stage can be minimized by changing the plastic balls used as packing material in the reactor. A detailed cost–benefit analysis was also conducted to understand its economic viability. Cost–benefit analysis of IS-TrickBER, based on net energy yield, shows that IS-TrickBER could compensate its installation cost within a few years. IS-TrickBER performed well in eliminating the chemical load of wastewater and simultaneous electricity generation. Due to its scalability, compactness, and low maintenance, IS-TrickBER can be a suitable candidate in real-time wastewater treatment.